ELFA Announces Leadership Promotions, Names New Chief Economist

Washington, DC, March 5, 2026 - The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), the trade association representing the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry, announced a series of staff leadership promotions and new hires designed to strengthen member engagement, expand professional development programming, and enhance industry insights for the $1.3 trillion equipment finance sector.

"These new roles reflect our commitment to investing in our team while ensuring ELFA continues to deliver the advocacy, research and professional development our members rely on," said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO of ELFA. "Each of these individuals brings unique expertise, perspective and dedication that will help advance the association's mission and support the continued growth of the equipment finance industry."

Four current ELFA team members will be taking on expanded responsibilities effective immediately:

• Alexa Carnibella will expand her role in professional development programming, serving as a liaison between ELFA committees, staff and event programming teams. Her work will focus on developing impactful, education-driven sessions across the association's live and virtual events.
• Allyson Gale has been promoted to Vice President of Federal Affairs, where she will continue to lead ELFA's government relations efforts in Washington. Building on her extensive experience in public policy and advocacy, Gale will represent the interests of the equipment finance industry before Congress and federal agencies.
• Eboni Preston-Laurent will serve as Director of Professional Communities. Preston-Laurent has played an important role supporting ELFA's Women's Council, Emerging Talent Advisory Council, and inclusion initiatives. In her expanded role, she will focus on strengthening engagement and programming for professional communities across ELFA's membership.

• Heather Staverman has been promoted to Senior Director, Conferences and Events. In her capacity she will serve as acting VP, oversee day-to-day operation of the events team, and lead the production of the 65th Annual ELFA Convention.

New Staff Positions

ELFA is excited to welcome two individuals into important new roles at ELFA:

• Paula Lumsden joins the association as Director of Marketing. Lumsden brings extensive experience in association marketing, event marketing, member engagement, and brand development. She will play a critical role in strengthening awareness of the equipment finance industry while helping elevate the stories and successes of our member companies.
• Tim Mahedy will serve as ELFA's Chief Economist, providing quarterly economic outlooks, presenting at ELFA conferences, and offering insights that support the continued growth and stability of the equipment finance industry.

Staff Departures

After more than two decades of combined service to the association, Julie Benson, CAE, VP Membership Marketing, and Lisa Ramirez, VP Business and Professional Development, will be departing ELFA to pursue the next step in their professional careers in C-level roles at another trade association.

"We are incredibly proud of the contributions Julie and Lisa have made to the industry and to our organization," Lytle said. "Their leadership, the relationships they built with our members, and their dedication to advancing ELFA's mission have left a lasting impact. We wish them every success as they continue their professional journeys."

About ELFA

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.3 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA's over 600 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses' success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at https://www.elfaonline.org.

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Media Contact: Jane Esworthy, VP, Communications & Marketing, ELFA, [email protected]